Are our vines planted on their own roots here in Eastern Washington,or are they planted on American Rootstock?
Answer From Expert Roger Bohmrich MW
Vines may be on their own roots in Washington, most commonly, or some may be grafted onto rootstocks which resist the phylloxera root aphid which is a serious threat in so many wine regions, but far less in this area. The Washington Department of Agriculture first identified phylloxera in the state in 1988 but has not published a recent survey on their website concerning its presence. The most prevalent insect pests for grape growers here are leafhoppers, mealy bugs, cutworms and various types of mites. In addition, vineyards are disrupted by birds and rodents as well as deer, coyote and elk! If you're interested in technical details, visit vinewise.org/topics.
